8 Life was peaceful on the farms;the earth produced grain,and fruit grew on the trees.
9 In towns the old folkstalked about the good thingsthat had happened,while young soldiers strolled byin their fancy uniforms.
10 Simon supplied the townswith food and protectionand was famous everywhere.
11 He brought peaceand great joy to Israel.
12 Everyone rested unafraidbeneath their own grapevinesand fig trees;
13 troublemakers and enemy kingshad been crushed.
14 Simon helped the poorand obeyed the Law of Godby destroying outlawsand rebellious people.